Exercise Library

Supine Reverse Marches

Target Body Part:Abs

Equipment Needed:No Equipment

Step 1

Starting Position: Lie on your back on the floor / mat in a bent-knee position with feet placed firmly on the floor, arms outstretched to your sides in a "T" position; palms facing upward. Engage your abdominal muscles to stabilize your spine (maintain the small natural curve in your low back). Pull your shoulders back and down without arching your spine. Try to hold this posture throughout the exercise.

Step 2

Gently exhale, deepen the abdominals and slowly lift one foot off the floor. Keep the knee bent at 90-degrees. DO NOT straighten the knee. Continue moving until the thigh reaches or comes close to a position where it aligns vertically to the floor. DO NOT go beyond this position. Hold this position for 5 - 10 seconds. With control, slowly return your leg to the floor, completing 2 - 4 repetitions and repeating with the opposite leg.

Step 3

The goal of this exercise is to control the position of your low back and pelvis during leg movements. Movement of the thigh past vertical will flatten your back, thus changing the position of your low back. If necessary, place one hand or a rolled up towel under the small of your back to monitor any change in the position of your low back during the movement.

Step 4

EXERCISE VARIATION: This exercise can become more dynamic by performing slow, controlled movements to complete 1 set of 5 - 10 repetitions with each leg, holding the elevated position for 1 - 2 seconds.The intensity can be progressed by adding overhead arm movements; alternating arms or raising both arms as the knee floats upward. To maximize the benefits of this exercise and reduce the potential for injury, it is important to control movement speed and monitor changes in your low back carefully